Left 4 Dead Sneak Peek

GeekSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:01:14 -0700

As one of my top five picks for this year's scariest games, I jumped at the chance to get an early look at the zombie shooter Left 4 Dead at a recent preview party here in San Francisco. Coming next month to your Xbox 360 and PC, I already knew the plot would have you trying to find your way out of a zombie-filled city with you and your three pals. But what I didn't know was that players will also get the chance to play as the zombies, trying to stop the humans from escaping (and eventually becoming dinner). There are four different "mutant" zombies, all with a unique attack style, which made it fun to switch between the characters and see who could cause the most damage.

Although Left 4 Dead is fun to play, I do have a few gripes about it. To see my thoughts on this early preview, and to check out a gameplay video (containing violence toward zombies aka blood and guns), just read more.

My early impressions of the game were good - fun co-op play and an easy objective (stay alive as long as possible) - but there were a few glaring concerns. While playing with three of your friends on a game night would be totally fun, playing alone might leave something to be desired. If you do play Left 4 Dead solo, you'll be stuck with three AI buddies, and although I didn't get a chance to play the solo mode, I would imagine it to be kinda boring.

Additionally, there were so many things to remember controlwise. At times even I got confused about which button did what - and I own a Xbox 360! I'm sure after more playing, it would become second nature, but still, not too easy for beginners or those of you who are picking up a 360 controller for the first time. For those of you who like a shooter and are really into killing zombies, check out my gameplay video below. It's short and sweet, yet you'll instantly get the point of the game!

What do you think - will you play Left 4 Dead?

Get Your Game On: October Releases

GeekSugar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:00:46 -0700

The weather may be getting cooler, but not in the gaming industry where things are certainly heating up! With so many new titles being released in the latter months, it's sometimes just a question of where to begin. In between answering all those emails, trying to get to the gym and stocking up some some much needed Fall gadgetry, you may feel like you don't have the time (or the cash) to get in some good gaming. But come on, games are good for you! Promise me you'll take a time out and try these on for size.

**New Video Game Releases (October 2007)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass - With Phantom Hourglass being the first Zelda game to hit the DS, it takes a bit of practice adjusting to the touch screen and control Link. Picking up where Wind Walker left off, this classic Zelda game is fresh, innovative and most of all, addictive!	Nintendo DS, $34.99	Out now. Purchase it online.
Project Gotham Racing 4 - The PGR series has been known for its visual style and great controls that bridge the gap between arcade fun and simulation driving. The newest edition takes that concept even farther with enhanced vehicles, new and amazing cityscapes and weather conditions. Lots of Weather.	Xbox 360, $59.99	Out now. Purchase it online
Folklore - After stumbling into a town that bridges the gap between the living and the dead, in this game you attempt to solve a series of murders. An interesting game to play, that definitely requires strategy based fighting rather than hand to hand combat skills.	PS3 and PSP, $59.99	Get it October 10.
Beautiful Katamari - For this installment of the Katamari series, the King of All Cosmos is causing trouble and creates a black hole with his powerful tennis swing. If nothing else, it's a fun puzzle game where you roll around and collect "stuff" to fill up the hole in the universe. Crazy, huh?	Xbox 360, $39.99	Out October 16.
Viva Pinata: Party Animals - Using the same lovable characters from the original Viva Pinata, this Party Game version has over 40 mini-games and 12 race games for you and your friends to battle it out party style.	Xbox 360, $49.99	Pick it up October 30
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock - This installment of Guitar Hero ups the anti with online multi-player action. Wireless controls allow you to shred to tracks like "Barracuda", "Paint it Black" and "Welcome to The Jungle" without tripping over any cords.	PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, $49.99 and $59.99, Wii, PC and MAC	Coming October 28th

Want more choices? Check out our Fall and Summer previews for more great games to catch up on!